Netsuke of Drunken Man 1867 - 1899

This Netsuke of a Drunken Man was crafted by Sanshō sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Observe the warm, brown tones of the carved wood and the figure’s comical pose. Notice the way the artist uses line and form to animate the character. Sanshō captures a moment of disorientation. The composition directs our gaze along the curve of the man's body, leading to his head, where the hand presses, seemingly in an attempt to steady himself. The soft, rounded forms of the figure contrast with the sharp, angular cuts defining the clothing. This contrast draws attention to the tension between the man's disheveled state and the structured attire he dons. The netsuke, traditionally a functional object, is transformed into a commentary on social behavior. It asks, how do we represent states of vulnerability or loss of control? The netsuke's physical form and subject matter challenge conventional representations of dignity and composure. Through the careful use of form, Sanshō encourages us to question how we perceive and categorize human experiences.